12 Things to Do in Prague in September
September in Prague is a month dedicated to art and entertainment: jazz, classical music, opera and wine fairs! In this month there is something for everyone.
View of Prague | ©Jaromír Kavan
September is undoubtedly a fantastic time to visit Prague, a month characterized by pleasant weather; long, sunny days that allow you to enjoy a greater number of activities and attractions. Are you ready for all that the city of Prague has to offer this month? Get inspired by this list and make the most of your trip!
1. Music at the iconic Prague Autumn Festival
In 1991 the International Autumn Music Festival was created; from 2008 this event was transformed into the Dvořák International Prague Music Festival. It is considered the second largest classical music festival in Prague and takes place every year: although the performance season officially starts in September, it usually lasts until October in Prague. Throughout history numerous artists and talents of classical music have performed on stage; the repertoire includes local talent as well as international talent.
Where it takes place
This event takes place in the Rudolfinum; an important music hall and art gallery in neo-Renaissance style designed by Josef Schulz.
How to purchase tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly on the Dvořák Festival website, where the process you must exhaust is explained step by step.
Another concert option
If you wish, you can also book your tickets for a concert at the Mozart Hall in Prague, which includes dinner. You will enjoy various Mozart pieces performed by live singers and musicians.
2. Sports, music and food at Ladronka Festival
Dubbed as the largest festival of leisure activities in Central Europe, Ladronka Fest is one of the best things to see and do in Prague in the month of September. The date can vary between the second and third weekend of September.
In addition to live music, stage performances, games and good food the idea of the event is to introduce participants to certain sports practices. That's why you'll find badminton, golf and rugby games; but also less conventional activities such as climbing, ski simulators and slackline. There are live martial arts demonstrations, workshops and skills competitions.
Where it is held
The event takes place every year in Prague's Ladronka Park, for information on the itinerary of activities, dates and presentations visit the official Ladronka Fest website.
How to buy tickets
You don't need to buy tickets, it's a free event with free admission to the general public.
3. Prague International Organ Festival
Those who enjoy organ music and visit Prague in September should take the opportunity to attend this famous international festival. The festival runs an extensive schedule of performances that you can view directly on the web, and takes place every year from the beginning of August until the end of September. The event was inaugurated in 1996 and since then the public attends every year to enjoy recitals of solo organs and outstanding organists from Czechoslovakia but also from all over the world.
Where it takes place
The concerts are held in St. James Basilica, a magnificent work of Baroque architecture located next to the Old Town Square in the Staré Město area. I recommend checking the performance calendar for details on dates, times and performances.
How to buy tickets
If you want to purchase tickets for the performances these are usually placed on Czech portals dedicated to the sale of tickets for events such as TicketPortal.
4. Live a unique experience with Czech Opera concerts
If you like opera music the capital of the Czech Republic has a lot to offer. Throughout the year there are different festivals and concerts. Summer in Prague is the best time to find such activities and in the month of September you will find the last performances of this kind.
Where is it held
- Divoká Šárka Natural Theater: A natural amphitheater with a capacity of approximately 10,000 spectators is located in the nature reserve of the same name. Since 2005, a free performance has been held here every year on the first Sunday in September. Over the years, plays such as Rusalka, Jacobin, the opera Libuše and many more have been performed here. Details about the performances on the website of the theater group.
- Czech State Opera Palace: During the Verdi Festival the Czech State Opera celebrates the life and works of the famous artist. During three consecutive weekends, starting in August and culminating in the first week of September, performances are held to pay tribute to the life and work of one of the giants of 19th century Italian opera: Giuseppe Verdi. If you visit the city on those dates you should take advantage of it, tickets can be found on the official website of the National Theater of Prague.
- Black light theater: And, another option a little more contemporary that you may find interesting in this section dedicated to the theater is to witness a show with black light. It is an interactive theater play where you can enjoy both the music and the 4D effects and other visual techniques. You will be impressed!
5. Get to know the city aboard a cruise
A very different and original plan to get to know the city, as well as perfect for the month of September is to book a cruise with lunch. You will enjoy beautiful views of the capital for 2 hours and you will see some of its most emblematic places. In addition, you will have a welcome drink, live music during the trip and a delicious buffet for lunch.
Where it takes place
During 2 hours you will travel along the Vltava River which will make a specific route for its passengers to contemplate some of its most iconic monuments from the water. The Charles Bridge, the Powder Tower, its famous castle, the Dancing House, among others...
How to buy tickets
The price for this plan is around 45€. To book your tickets for this lunch cruise, the best option is to buy them in advance and thus avoid queues and unwanted waits.
6. Get to know the Bohemian handicrafts on a city tour
Bohemia is one of the historical regions of the Czech Republic, well known for its 'Bohemian crystal' handicrafts. In fact, it has several factories of this material where you can see how the pieces are made by hand. This excursion also includes a visit to a brewery, another of the treasures of the area, where you will learn about the brewing process of one of the most famous beers in the country, the Pilsen beer. And, in addition, you will have a typical 3-course lunch with drinks included.
Where it takes place
A bus will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Bohemia, and along the way a professional guide will accompany you to tell you all the details of the area, as well as the glass and breweries.
How to purchase tickets
The price of this tour is around 120 euros and tickets can be purchased by booking online. If you have finally decided on this plan you can buy your Bohemia tour with a visit to a glassworks and a brewery here.
7. Attend the opening concert of EuroArt Prague
In the last days of September, the opening concert of the EuroArt Prague festival takes place. It is a festival focused on the appreciation of chamber music organized by non-profit societies. The festival starts in September and lasts until June, each month there is a new presentation with renowned artists; the opening presentation in September is one of the most awaited by classical music lovers. To know in detail the program, the dates of the presentations and the artists that will perform, I recommend visiting the official website of the Euro Art Praha.
Where it takes place
This event takes place in the Martinů Hall in Prague; one of the most beautiful and famous halls of the Liechtenstein Palace in the Malá Strana district.
How to buy tickets
Tickets range in price from 8€ to 18€; they can be purchased by booking by emailing info@euroart.cz or through Czech portals focused on the sale of tickets for events such as Prague Ticket Office.
8. Get to know the best of theater with the Summer Shakespeare Festival
Every year from June 28 to September 3, the Shakespeare Summer Festival takes place in Prague, so if you are in the city during the first days of the month, take the opportunity to attend. The festival began in the 90's, its organizers choose a different play every year to ensure diversity and maintain the interest of the public.
It is the oldest and most popular open-air theater festival in the country and although the performances are not performed in the original English of the Shakespeare plays, tourists visiting Prague come to see the strong performances. Additionally, the locations they choose for the stage are spectacular.
Where it takes place
The event takes place in two beautiful locations: The Royal Garden located in the Prague Castle complex, Hradčany district and in the gardens of the Liechtenstein Palace in the Malá Strana district. Likewise, it is also worthwhile to get to know that area and book a tour of Prague Castle and surroundings- you will be amazed!
How to buy tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly from the theater group's website; ticket prices vary but you will find them available from 4.7 euros per person.
9. Join the celebrations for St. Wenceslas' Day
At the end of September, the patron saint of the patron saint of the people, St. Wenceslas, is celebrated throughout the Czech Republic.
Where it takes place
Celebrations take place all over the city; some examples of free activities you can do in Prague during these dates are:
- The Autumn Market It takes place between September 14 and 28 at St. Wenceslas Square and Republic Square. Here you can enjoy good food and drink;
and the traditional delicacy of the medieval kings, the snails.
- St. Wenceslas Procession The historic procession takes place on St. Wenceslas Square in the Nové Město district on the day of the culmination of the festivities, September 28. Traditionally it can be enjoyed at two different times: 2 pm and 4 pm.
- Sacred music concerts Throughout Prague a variety of Czech churches join in the celebration by scheduling concerts featuring Orthodox Christian and Jewish church music, performed by talented local singers. In addition, works by prominent Czech composers are included.
10. Join the Vinohradské Vinobraní wine festivals!
When most people think of Prague they usually think of beer, although the city is home to some of the best breweries, every year throughout the month of September, wine festivals take place; a date coinciding with the end of the harvest season.
Keep in mind that this is not a single one-off event, but a collection of small celebrations taking place throughout the city. In addition to tasting of young wine and partially partially fermented wine (known by the name "burčák'') it includes tastings of Czech snacks; recommended activities for those visiting Prague with children, music, themed workshops and competitions.
Where it is held
Some locations where celebrations are traditionally held are:
- Jiriho z Podebrad Square Free admission Jiriho Square festival usually lasts two days. It includes live music, children's zone, tastings of all kinds and independent merchants selling exclusive wines.
- Grebovka Wine Festival Held in two locations: Peace Square and Havlíčkovy sady. In addition to tastings it includes entertainment such as concerts with local pop, rock, jazz and folk bands.
- Prague Castle Garden The Castle Gardens serve as the setting for a family and cultural event that includes Czech and Moravian wine tastings, local food, live music and much more.
- St. Wenceslas Wine Festival Held every year in the Wenceslas vineyard located in the immediate vicinity of the Castle. It is the oldest vineyard in Prague.
11. Enjoy jazz and classical music at the Autumn Strings Festival
Between mid-September and mid-November in Prague takes place the international autumn music festival known as Strings of Autumn. The festival saw the light of day in 1996, as part of the initiatives of Marek Vrabec who hoped to start a recurring series of concerts at Prague Castle. In its current version, the program is divided into three main categories: Inspiration, Crossover and Luminaries.
Where it is held
For the first eight years the event was held at Prague Castle itself; however a change withdrew government support. Now Strings of Autumn takes place in different important locations in Prague such as famous concert halls, theaters and churches. Before your trip visit the official Strings of Autumn website for details of guest artists and locations.
12. Get caught up in the artistic atmosphere at the UMtrh market
The UMtrh market is described as a place for art lovers. It takes place once a month for two days; mainly in the months of good weather. If you visit Prague in September this can be a good way to soak up local craft art and buy highly original travel souvenirs. You will find: new design pieces, paintings, sculptures, photographs, vintage, original fashion, small handicrafts and much more.
Where it takes place
It is a cultural-artistic space organized in open-air modules, usually held at Malostranské Square in Malá Strana.
How to buy tickets
The event is free of charge and open to the public.
Prague in September: How to deal with the weather and what to wear in September
The weather in the Czech capital during September can only be defined by one word: wonderful. With an average maximum temperature of 19°C and a minimum of 9°C, mornings are cool and nights are quite manageable. You will have an average rainfall of 27 mm so it even rains a little less than in August. In terms of daylight hours, September offers sunny days of almost 12 hours.
While it is true that you will not need your winter clothes, it is wise to pack an umbrella and boots for the occasional rain that may occur. Bring some light warm clothes especially for walking in the evenings.
Prague in September: Tourist inflow.
Both September and October are in the mid-range in terms of the number of tourists. As September progresses the crowds begin to thin out very quickly and reservations in restaurants where in other months it is impossible to find space, start to become available again.
Additionally, the weather in September is still pleasant enough to continue enjoying festivals and outdoor performances. Without a doubt, this is probably the best time to visit Prague and enjoy a bit of everything.